Site Evaluation

We at Transport Planning Practice are frequently called upon to undertake initial site evaluations and provide expert technical due diligence to developers and home-builders on upcoming or potential projects.

Purposes of a Site Evaluation

A site evaluation is carried out ahead of a planned development to inform the direction it should take, and may even be used to help inform a decision on whether development should even go ahead on a given site, taking the form of a development feasibility report to assess whether using the site in the intended way would really be practical. In most cases, an assessment will be carried out prior to the purchase of a site, in order to indicate how suitable it would be for its intended purpose. Site evaluations can also be used, before or after purchase, to gain an indication of a potential planning application’s chances of success.

A site evaluation takes the form of a review of an undeveloped site, or of a previously-developed site slated for redevelopment, in order to assess its suitability for a planned construction project. A number of transport-related considerations will go into the resultant report. Such viability appraisals may include information on access, considerations for traffic and transport within the developed site, impact on surrounding infrastructure, and journey times.

Contents of a Site Evaluation

Many transport-related factors will be assessed in a site evaluation or development feasibility study, as well as potentially a number of other considerations too. The exact content of a site evaluation can vary significantly depending on the exact nature and scale of the development, its precise location, and the demands that this creates. However, a number of factors are almost invariably included, as they represent some of the key areas of consideration when planning a construction project.

Accessibility for various types of transport are one such major consideration. A site evaluation will always assess feasibility and possibilities for providing adequate access to unlock the potential of the proposed development. It may also contain comparative journey time assessments in order to paint a detailed picture of what journeys to and from the finished site would be like using various different transport types, and how different modes of transport may compare. Other considerations typically included are the feasibility of providing adequate transport infrastructure within the site, parking considerations, and the impact of traffic generated by the new development on the local area.

Transport Planning Practice has extensive experience of providing site evaluations and viability appraisals for future and proposed developments. We can also provide expert advice on matters of site disposal and alternative use. For more information about our services and how they may help with your project, please contact us.